Ah, the elusive prom hairstyles for medium length hair. It’s a little tougher to find formal hairstyle for hair that’s shoulder length or shorter but that doesn’t mean there aren’t tons of gorgeous options out there!

For inspiration, look to the fabulous celebrities who have broken from the long hair mold. In the hands of the best stylists out there, any one of the formal hairstyles for medium hair as seen on the red carpet. As you’ll see, with this length hair it’s much better to opt for glamorous curls instead of an abbreviated version of the updo.

Reese Witherspoon is an inspiration in so many ways and hair is definitely one of them. When she’s not rocking perfect bangs with long hair, she is sassy and fabulous in medium length hair. Here she looks stunning and stylish and a Betty Draper inspired vintage look. Artfully placed ringlets create a golden frame for the face. Complete the look with complementary prom makeup and jewelry.

Next up is a more modern curly prom hairstyle for medium hair on Kirsten Dunst. If you’re doing this yourself, concentrate curls at the ends of hair to get all over volume and texture. Finish with a few ringlets on either side of the face that spiral up to the brow but no further. If you want to add a touch of sparkle to the mix, wear a crystal prom hair clip.

For an ultra romantic look that also works for thick hair, try Selena Gomez‘s ringlet curls. Coils at the last few inches of hair all around bring gorgeous texture, volume, and bounce to this long bob hairstyle. If you’re doing this medium prom hairstyle at home, you can get a similar look with most of the curls around the face and a few at the sides and back. Use a 1/2″-1″ curling wand for just the right size curls and heat protection spray that also boost curls for a hairstyle that lasts all night.